Notice of Public Scoping for DGGS Fee Structure Revision for Hyperspectral Scanner Use at the Geologic Materials Center

What is this notice about?

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is thinking about setting fees for people who use a new hyperspectral scanner at the Geologic Materials Center. This machine scans rock and core samples to make detailed maps of the minerals in them. Before writing any rules, the Department wants written ideas from the public on how the fees should be set and collected, due by 5:00 p.m. on October 30, 2026.

Why was this notice issued?

The Department of Natural Resources recently got a hyperspectral scanning instrument at the Geologic Materials Center. It is considering changing or adding a regulation in Title 11 of the Alaska Administrative Code (AAC) to set fees for its use. This scoping notice asks for public ideas before any draft regulations are written.

What action is being taken?

The Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) is considering amending its existing fee regulation, 11 AAC 05.090, or adding a new regulation. The rule could set a fee, create a method to calculate fees, and/or explain how the fee for the hyperspectral scanner is handled. No specific regulations are being proposed now, and there is no draft to review. Any future proposed changes will be released for public review and comment under Alaska's Administrative Procedure Act (Alaska Statutes 44.62).

Who is involved: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (DGGS); users of the Geologic Materials Center hyperspectral scanner

How can the public respond?

Respond by Fri, Oct 30, 2026 This deadline has passed.

“Written comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 30, 2026.”

Ways to respond

Email dnr.dggs.comments@alaska.gov
Mail Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Attn: Jess Thurman, 3354 College Road, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709

What to include

Comments must be in writing. The Department wants ideas for making fees efficient, consistent and reasonable, such as fee calculation methods, how fees are collected, and other topics for a future regulation package. Do not include any confidential information in your comments.

Contact

Jess Thurman
Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
dnr.dggs.comments@alaska.gov
3354 College Road, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709

Will there be public meetings?

The notice does not announce any public meeting or hearing.

Key dates

Sep 15, 2026: Notice published; comment period open
Oct 30, 2026: Written comments due by 5:00 p.m.

Original notice text

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (the Department) is considering amending and/or promulgating a regulation in Title 11 of the Alaska Administrative Code (AAC). This revision would establish a fee structure for the use of a recently acquired hyperspectral scanning instrument at the Geologic Materials Center. This highly sophisticated technology can capture high resolution spectral data across hundreds of narrow wavelengths for every pixel of a rock or core sample. The spectral signature is processed to identify and map mineralogy, alteration, grain-scale variations, compositional changes, and other characteristics of the core sample. The result is a detailed spatial mineral map that supports more accurate characterization of lithology, fluid-rock interactions, and geologic heterogeneity. The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) administers fees through the existing regulation 11 AAC 05.090, "Geological and geophysical survey, facilities, equipment, products, services, and publications." The potential regulation(s) could include provisions establishing a fee, creating a methodology to calculate fees, and/or administering the fee for the hyperspectral scanner. The purpose of this notice is to allow the public to submit written comments on ideas and suggestions before the Department undertakes the task of drafting any specific proposed regulations for public review. The Department invites written suggestions for improving the efficiency, consistency, and reasonableness of fee implementation. This could include information or recommendations about fee calculation methodologies, collection administration, and other relevant aspects to be addressed in any future regulatory package. The Department is not currently proposing any specific regulations, and there are no draft regulations to review at this time. Any future proposed regulation changes will be released for public review and comment in compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act in Alaska Statutes 44.62. Please do not include any confidential information in the comments. Written comments received by the Department submitted through email or by mail must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 30, 2026. Please send submissions via email: dnr.dggs.comments@alaska.gov Or via mail: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Attn: Jess Thurman 3354 College Road Fairbanks, Alaska 99709

This summary was written by an AI model (Claude) from the official notice text. This is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm deadlines and instructions in the official notice. Legal disclaimer.